Andy Rubin, who created Android and has led its development both at Android Inc. and later at Google, has decided to step down as the big Android boss at Google. Having created the world's "most-used mobile operating system", as Google CEO Larry Page refers to it, I'd say his stint has been successful. Interestingly enough, he will be succeeded by Sundar Pichai - Chrome OS boss. Yes.

As the author correctly notes it's not just Rubin's departure that is a surprise.

"Rubin stepping down at all is a surprise: The now-well-known robot enthusiast co-founded Android as a small startup back in 2003 and has overseen its development ever since. He's remained the proud papa of the platform from day one, heading up its development at Google (which bought the startup in 2005) and earning the title of "senior vice president of mobile and digital content."

Even more eyebrow-raising, though, is the nature of Rubin's replacement. Sundar Pichai already heads up development of both Chrome and Chrome OS as well as a number of apps, including Gmail and Google Calendar -- and, perhaps most significant, will continue overseeing those projects while taking on his new Android-oriented responsibilities.